Reading vs Middlesbrough prediction, preview, team news and more | EFL Championship 2021-22
Reading host Middlesbrough at the Madejski Stadium in the EFL Championship on Saturday with both teams having similar starts to the season so far.
Reading are currently 13th in the league following their terrible start to the season. Veljko Paunovic's side have, however, turned around their form in recent weeks, winning their last two games on the trot. The Royals will hope to extend their streak with a win against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Middlesbrough have also had a poor season, having won only one of their last six league games. Neil Warnock's side will be going into the game off the back of a 2-1 loss against Blackpool last time out. Boro will hope to turn around their form by beating Reading on Saturday.
“We’ve got to stand up to it as a team and stick together – fight them and match them, and if we can do that we have the quality to win the game.”
📈 Looking to keep on that upward trajectory and make it three wins on the spin... @JoshLaurent28 previews the visit of Boro 💬
Both teams will want to win the game for different reasons and that should make Saturday's game a well-contested matchup.
Reading vs Middlesbrough Head-to-Head
Middlesbrough have dominated the recent head-to-head record between the two sides and are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Reading, winning four of them.
Middlesbrough came away as 2-0 winners the last time the two sides met back in February. Goals from Ashley Fletcher and Marc Bola were enough to secure the win on the night.
Reading vs Middlesbrough Team News
Reading
Reading will have a host of players missing for the game on Saturday. Liam Moore, Andy Rinomhota, Tom McIntyre, Scott Dann, Femi Azeez, Yakou Meite, Lucas Joao and Felipe Araruna are all unavailable for the game due to injury. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Rafael is a doubt for the game following a hand injury.
Injured: Liam Moore, Andy Rinomhota, Tom McIntyre, Scott Dann, Femi Azeez, Yakou Meite, Lucas Joao, Felipe Araruna
Doubtful: Rafael
Suspended: None
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough will have no new injury worries following their 2-1 loss to Blackpool last time out. Marcus Browne and Patrick McNair are unavailable for the game due to injury, while Neil Warnock will be sweating on the fitness of defender Marc Bola.
Injured: Marcus Browne, Patrick McNair
Doubtful: Marc Bola
Suspended: None
Reading vs Middlesbrough Predicted XI
Video from training as #Boro prepare for the trip to @ReadingFC 📹 #UTB
mfc.co.uk/news/watch-rea…
Reading Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Luke Southwood; Abdul Rahman Baba, Michael Morrison, Thomas Holmes, Andy Yiadom; John Swift, Josh Laurent; Ovie Ejaria, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Alen Halilovic; Junior Hoilett
Middlesbrough Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joe Lumley; Lee Peltier, Dael Fry, Grant Hall, Anfernee Dijksteel; James Lea Siliki, Jonathan Howson; Onel Hernandez, Matt Crooks, Marcus Tavernier; Andraz Sporar
Reading vs Middlesbrough Prediction
Reading have been in better form of late and that should come to the fore during Saturday's fixture.
We predict a close game, with Reading coming away with victory.
Prediction: Reading 2-1 Middlesbrough